3 Ways To Make A GIF: Adobe Photoshop Basics
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
In this class, I will show you how to make 3 different types of GIFs:
- Color Changing GIF: the image stays static but the colors change in each frame
- Wobble Effect GIF: the image stays the same but some subtle ‘wobbling’ movement is introduced
- Image Changing GIF: where the image changes in each frame
We will be working by hand on paper, then taking our drawings into Photoshop to create the GIF’s, but you don’t need any prior knowledge of Photoshop to take this class.
It’s useful if you are confident with drawing, but don’t worry if you're not as I’ll be giving you lots of ideas and templates for how to complete the drawing parts of the class project too.
In addition to learning how to make GIFs, if you are new to Photoshop as you follow along with me you will pick up lots of key Photoshop skills including, how to:
- digitize your hand drawings and clean them up
- use layers
- select parts of an image
- Fill, color-match and adjust colors using different methods
The skills you will learn in this class can be applied to a wide variety of artwork styles, and can boost several areas of your creative practice — from creating social media campaigns, making your website, newsletter or emails stand out from the crowd, or simply using them as standalone artworks.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
To complete this class you will need:
- Adobe Photoshop
- A printer to print out the Worksheet PDF (or alternatively you can draw your own using a sheet of paper, a ruler and a pencil)
- A Pencil
- An eraser
- A black pen
- A scanner or camera to digitise your Worksheet
-
A sheet of tracing paper, or very thin paper
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
"This was a fantastic class! Mel is a really engaging and clear teacher - she takes us through the technical as well as the creative steps to making animated GIFs in a straightforward and easy to follow manner, even though I was a bit daunted at first - I need not have been. Mel made what could have been quite complex very accessible. I got SO MUCH out of this class, and highly recommend it."
- Shelley S
"I loved this class! I am a long-time Photoshop user but have only vaguely dabbled in moving images. This class was the perfect introduction, I loved working through the different methods of creating GIFs and can't wait to take it further on my own. Thank you!"
- Emma F
"I came here expecting to learn the tools for making GIFs but I was pleasantly surprised to pick up a few new tricks that I can use in the rest of my design work. Thank you!"
- Maro B
"I loved this class. The projects were explained in a clear, step by step manner and and I learned so much. I even picked up some new Photoshop tips that I had not known before. I would thoroughly recommend this class. Thanks, Mel!"
- Susan M
ABOUT MEL RYE
Hi! I'm Mel, a UK based multidisciplinary artist and teacher with over 15 years of experience. Im passionate about encouraging everyone to make Art, particularly those who think they can't (because I KNOW you can!). My catalog of beginner friendly online classes in drawing, art making for self-care and Adobe Photoshop offers structured, project based learning to build your creative skills.
☞ YouTube
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to be proficient in Adobe Photoshop to take this course?
No, I have structured this course so it is suitable for complete beginners, so I will be walking you through all the Photoshop parts of the process as if you have never used it before. If it is the first time you have ever used Adobe Photoshop, be sure to take your time, pause the videos when you need to, and repeat some sections to make sure you feel comfy with the steps.
Do I need to make all 3 styles of GIF?
No you don't, you can choose to make whichever GIF style you like. However, you will need to watch the videos for first GIF style I show you (Color Changing GIF) because these videos contain the bulk of the Photoshop process, which is then developed further within the videos for the Wobble Effect and Image Changing GIFs.
How is the course formatted?
All my courses consist of pre recorded video lessons. There are also downloadable resources such as worksheets, reference photos, guides or other materials which will help support your learning.
All my courses are structured around a class project, which is a practical way of applying the skills taught in the course, and also means that you will have created something by the end of the course, as well as learning lots of new skills - I think this is the best way of learning!
How long will I have access to the course for?
Once you have enrolled, you will have lifetime access to the course, which means you can access it for as long as it exists on the internet. If any updates are made in the future, you will have access to those too.
Can I purchase this course as a gift?
Yes you can - there is an option at checkout to buy the course as a gift. All you need to do is enter the recipient’s email address and there is an option to add a gift message if you’d like to. The course will be sent directly to them with a link to access it, along with your message if you added one.
I have a question which isn't answered here
No problem - i'm always happy to answer questions, please get in touch with me here.